John Lithgow Stars In "The Magistrate" At Connecticut Theaters

FRANK RIZZO, rizzo@courant.comHartford Courant

National Theatre Live will broadcast a live performance of Arthur Wing Pinero's "The Magistrate" starring Oscar nominee and Tony Award-winner John Lithgowat cinemas and theaters across North America this week, including screens in Connecticut. There are also repeated "encore" presentations, too.

The production of the Victorian farce is directed by Timothy Sheader.

Lithgow (TV's "Third Rock from the Sun") takes the title role of a man who marries Agatha (Olivier Award-winner Nancy Carroll), unaware that she's shaved five years off her age -- and he son's. "When her deception looks set to be revealed, it sparks a series of hilarious indignities and outrageous mishaps," according to press notes.

Future broadcast will feature productions at Fairfield University of: "People," the new play by Alan Bennett, at 3 p.m. (live) and 7 p.m. (encore) on Thursday, March 21; and "This House," James Graham's new play, at 2 p.m. (live) and 7 p.m. (encore) on Thursday, May 16.